EP2572754A1 - Method and device for determining the radiation duration of a particle radiation plan - Google Patents

Method and device for determining the radiation duration of a particle radiation plan Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2572754A1
EP2572754A1 EP12179327A EP12179327A EP2572754A1 EP 2572754 A1 EP2572754 A1 EP 2572754A1 EP 12179327 A EP12179327 A EP 12179327A EP 12179327 A EP12179327 A EP 12179327A EP 2572754 A1 EP2572754 A1 EP 2572754A1
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Prior art keywords
treatment plan
treatment
duration
irradiation
expected
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EP12179327A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2572754B8 (en
EP2572754B1 (en
Inventor
Alexander Gemmel
Thilo Elsässer
Philipp Krebs
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Siemens Healthcare GmbH
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Siemens AG
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
    • A61N5/103—Treatment planning systems
    • A61N5/1031—Treatment planning systems using a specific method of dose optimization
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
    • A61N2005/1085—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy characterised by the type of particles applied to the patient
    • A61N2005/1087—Ions; Protons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for determining the duration of irradiation in an irradiation planning.
  • diseased tissue is irradiated with X-rays, with electron beams or with particle beams.
  • Particle therapy in particular has developed in recent years to become an established method of treating tissue, in particular tumor diseases.
  • irradiation techniques as used in particle therapy can also be used in non-therapeutic areas, such as the irradiation of phantoms or non-living bodies in the context of research, in the irradiation of materials, etc.
  • Particle therapy generates particles, primarily ions such as protons, carbon ions or other types of ions. These particles are accelerated to high energies in an accelerator, formed into a particle beam and then directed to the tissue to be irradiated. The particles penetrate the tissue to be irradiated and release their energy in a circumscribed area. The penetration depth of the particle beam into the tissue to be irradiated depends primarily on the energy of the particle beam. The higher the energy of the particle beam, the deeper the particles penetrate into the tissue to be irradiated.
  • the expected radiation duration of the plan and its individual fields / beams is unknown.
  • a dose distribution is optimized according to dosimetric aspects and a fractional scheme is defined so that the irradiation time, which has no impact on patient comfort and throughput and on the radiation exposure of patients.
  • variations in accelerator performance can have different effects on the duration of exposure.
  • the factors which influence the irradiation time of a field / beam are known qualitatively. These include, in addition to the performance of the beam application system or the accelerator, which can not be influenced by the irradiation planning, the minimum particle number, the layer spacing and the size of the target area to be treated, e.g. a tumor size.
  • the tumor size itself is not customizable; However, by adjusting the field angle / angle of incidence, the extent of the tumor in depth relative to the field direction can be changed, and thus the necessary number of layers to cover the tumor.
  • the quantitative effect of the factors is patient dependent. For example, increasing the minimum number of particles in one case can result in a time savings of 15 percent, while in another case it is only three percent and thus within the range of expected variations in accelerator performance. Since an increase in the minimum particle / particle number is usually associated with a worsening of its clinical parameters (tumor coverage, max. Radiation dose), it is currently not possible to weigh the temporal benefit and the dosimetric effect.
  • the method according to the invention for the most accurate estimation of the emission time taking into account different accelerator efficiencies at the time of the irradiation period. It uses planning data such as number of layers and particle number or particle energy and particle accelerator characteristics such as acceleration time, spill length and intensity levels of the particle emission and rules of process data generation to give an accurate estimate of the irradiation time with an accuracy of 1% + / - 4%. In addition, best case or worst case estimates can be made to account for day-to-day variability in accelerator efficiency.
  • a targeted selection of a plan taking into account the expected irradiation duration in the treatment planning, is achieved in order to increase patient comfort and throughput.
  • the accuracy of the estimation is improved in determining the irradiation duration.
  • a further aspect of the invention is a device for determining the irradiation duration in a particle irradiation planning comprising means or modules for carrying out the above-mentioned method, which in each case can be pronounced in terms of hardware and / or software or as a computer program product.
  • the device can be implemented in a computer unit.
  • the device and the computer program product can be developed according to the method.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a particle therapy system and an arrangement outside or within an irradiation room, as both of them, for example DE 10 2008 019 128 A1 already known.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of the structure of a particle therapy system 10.
  • a particle therapy system 10 takes place in particular irradiation of a body, in particular a tumor-affected tissue, with a particle beam.
  • particles mainly ions such as protons, pions, helium ions, carbon ions or other types of ions are used.
  • ions are generated in a particle source 11.
  • two particle sources 11 are present, which produce two different types of ions can be switched between these two ion species within a short time interval.
  • a solenoid 12 is used, which is arranged between the ion sources 11 on the one hand and a pre-accelerator 13 on the other.
  • this allows the particle therapy system 10 to be operated simultaneously with protons and with carbon ions.
  • the ions generated by the or one of the ion sources 11 and optionally selected by the switching magnet 12 are accelerated in the pre-accelerator 13 to a first energy level.
  • the pre-accelerator 13 is, for example, a linear accelerator (LINAC for English: "LINear ACcelerator”).
  • an accelerator 15 for example a synchrotron or cyclotron.
  • a high-energy beam transport system 17 leads the particle beam to one or more irradiation spaces 19.
  • the accelerated particles are directed onto a body to be irradiated. Depending on the configuration, this takes place from a fixed direction (in so-called "fixed beam” spaces) or else via a rotatable gantry 21 which can be moved about an axis 22 from different directions.
  • FIG. 1 shown construction of a particle therapy system 10 is typical for many particle therapy equipment, but may also differ from this.
  • the embodiments described below are both in connection with the basis of FIG. 1 used particle therapy system as well as with other particle therapy equipment used.
  • FIG. 2 shows a possible arrangement outside or within an irradiation room.
  • One in the FIG. 2 Imaging unit usually comprises an X-ray detector and an X-ray source, which are arranged on a support arm, for example a C-arm, lying opposite each other.
  • the support arm itself can be flexibly positioned in the room using a robotic arm, for example with the aid of a six-axis articulated-arm robot.
  • X-ray images for example fluoroscopic photographs, can be taken by a patient 39 who is positioned for irradiation on a patient couch 41.
  • the target area to be irradiated or the target volume 43 to be irradiated for example an organ to be irradiated, which is affected by a tumor, can be imaged in the transillumination recordings.
  • a particle jet 47 emerges from a jet outlet 45 and is directed toward the patient 39.
  • the beam exit 45 remains generally stationary.
  • control unit 51 and / or the computer unit 49 for image reconstruction can be implemented in a single computer unit or also split up into different subunits, implemented as independent units or in a control unit for the entire particle therapy system.
  • treatment planning unit for planning the irradiation time can be used, which may be hardware or software formed.
  • the value of the above-evaluated, expected treatment duration can be used for setting optimization of a particle accelerator 15, as has been proposed in the German patent application "Method and Apparatus for Optimizing a Particle Accelerator" with the same seniority of the present application.

Abstract

The method involves optimizing treatment plan sizes, from which a treatment plan is created. The expected duration of exposure is evaluated from the treatment plan and by particle accelerator parameters. The output of the value of the expected duration of treatment takes place from a previously evaluated treatment plan, where the evaluated treatment plan is recommended or selected. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a device for determining the duration of exposure in radiation treatment planning; and (2) a computer program product for executing the method.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der Bestrahlungsdauer bei einer Bestrahlungsplanung.The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the duration of irradiation in an irradiation planning.

In der Strahlentherapie wird unter anderem erkranktes Gewebe mit Röntgenstrahlen, mit Elektronenstrahlen oder mit Partikelstrahlen bestrahlt. Insbesondere die Partikeltherapie entwickelt sich in den letzten Jahren zu einem etablierten Verfahren zur Behandlung von Gewebe, insbesondere von Tumorerkrankungen. Bestrahlungsverfahren, wie sie im Rahmen der Partikeltherapie eingesetzt werden, können jedoch auch in nichttherapeutischen Bereichen eingesetzt werden, wie beispielsweise bei der Bestrahlung von Phantomen oder nicht-lebenden Körpern im Rahmen von Forschungsarbeiten, bei der Bestrahlung von Materialien, etc.In radiotherapy, inter alia, diseased tissue is irradiated with X-rays, with electron beams or with particle beams. Particle therapy in particular has developed in recent years to become an established method of treating tissue, in particular tumor diseases. However, irradiation techniques as used in particle therapy can also be used in non-therapeutic areas, such as the irradiation of phantoms or non-living bodies in the context of research, in the irradiation of materials, etc.

Bei der Partikeltherapie werden Partikel erzeugt, vornehmlich Ionen wie Protonen, Kohlenstoffionen, oder andere Ionensorten. Diese Partikel werden auf hohe Energien in einem Beschleuniger beschleunigt, zu einem Partikelstrahl geformt und anschließend auf das zu bestrahlende Gewebe gerichtet. Die Partikel dringen in das zu bestrahlende Gewebe ein und geben dort in einem umschriebenen Bereich ihre Energie ab. Die Eindringtiefe des Partikelstrahls in das zu bestrahlende Gewebe hängt vornehmlich von der Energie des Partikelstrahls ab. Je höher die Energie des Partikelstrahls ist, desto tiefer dringen die Partikel in das zu bestrahlende Gewebe ein.Particle therapy generates particles, primarily ions such as protons, carbon ions or other types of ions. These particles are accelerated to high energies in an accelerator, formed into a particle beam and then directed to the tissue to be irradiated. The particles penetrate the tissue to be irradiated and release their energy in a circumscribed area. The penetration depth of the particle beam into the tissue to be irradiated depends primarily on the energy of the particle beam. The higher the energy of the particle beam, the deeper the particles penetrate into the tissue to be irradiated.

Während der Bestrahlungsplanung ist die zu erwartende Abstrahldauer des Plans und seiner einzelnen Felder/Beams unbekannt. Durch Einstellung der Optimierungsparameter wird nach dosimetrischen Gesichtspunkten eine Dosisverteilung optimiert und ein Fraktionsschema festgelegt, so dass die Bestrahlungszeit, die sich auf den Patientenkomfort und -durchsatz sowie auf die Strahlenbelastung der Patienten auswirkt, nicht feststeht. Hinzu kommt, dass sich Variationen in der Beschleunigerperformance unterschiedlich stark auf die Bestrahlungsdauer auswirken können.During radiation planning, the expected radiation duration of the plan and its individual fields / beams is unknown. By setting the optimization parameters, a dose distribution is optimized according to dosimetric aspects and a fractional scheme is defined so that the irradiation time, which has no impact on patient comfort and throughput and on the radiation exposure of patients. In addition, variations in accelerator performance can have different effects on the duration of exposure.

Die Faktoren, die die Bestrahlungsdauer eines Feldes/Beams beeinflussen, sind qualitativ bekannt. Hierzu zählen neben der Performance des Strahlapplikationssystems bzw. des Beschleunigers, die sich nicht durch die Bestrahlungsplanung beeinflussen lässt, die minimale Teilchenzahl, der Schichtabstand und die Größe des zu behandelnden Zielbereichs z.B. eine Tumorgröße. Die Tumorgröße selbst ist nicht anpassbar; durch Anpassung des Feldwinkels/Einstrahlwinkels lassen sich jedoch die Ausdehnung des Tumors in der Tiefe relativ zur Feldrichtung verändern und damit die notwendige Anzahl der Schichten zur Abdeckung des Tumors.The factors which influence the irradiation time of a field / beam are known qualitatively. These include, in addition to the performance of the beam application system or the accelerator, which can not be influenced by the irradiation planning, the minimum particle number, the layer spacing and the size of the target area to be treated, e.g. a tumor size. The tumor size itself is not customizable; However, by adjusting the field angle / angle of incidence, the extent of the tumor in depth relative to the field direction can be changed, and thus the necessary number of layers to cover the tumor.

Die quantitative Auswirkung der Faktoren ist jedoch patientenabhängig. Beispielsweise kann eine Erhöhung der minimalen Teilchenzahl in einem Fall zu einer Zeitersparnis von 15 Prozent führen, während sie in einem anderen Fall nur drei Prozent beträgt und damit im Bereich der erwartbaren Schwankungen der Beschleunigerperformance liegt. Da eine Erhöhung der minimalen Teilchen-/Partikelzahl üblicherweise mit einer Verschlechterung seiner klinischen Kenngrößen (Tumorabdeckung, Max. Strahlendosis) einhergeht, ist derzeit eine Abwägung des zeitlichen Nutzens und der dosimetrischen Auswirkung nicht möglich.However, the quantitative effect of the factors is patient dependent. For example, increasing the minimum number of particles in one case can result in a time savings of 15 percent, while in another case it is only three percent and thus within the range of expected variations in accelerator performance. Since an increase in the minimum particle / particle number is usually associated with a worsening of its clinical parameters (tumor coverage, max. Radiation dose), it is currently not possible to weigh the temporal benefit and the dosimetric effect.

Es ist die Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung sowie ein Verfahren zur Planung einer Bestrahlungsbehandlung anzugeben, wobei eine möglichst genaue Bestrahlungsdauer bestimmt werden soll.It is the object of the invention to specify a device and a method for planning an irradiation treatment, wherein the most accurate irradiation time is to be determined.

Die Aufgabe wird mit einem Verfahren sowie einer Vorrichtung gemäß den unabhängigen Patentansprüchen gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des Verfahrens sowie der Vorrichtung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Patentansprüche oder lassen sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung sowie den Ausführungsbeispielen entnehmen.The object is achieved by a method and a device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the method and the device are the subject The dependent claims or can be taken from the following description and the exemplary embodiments.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur möglichst genauen Abschätzung der Abstrahlzeit unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Beschleunigereffizienzen zum Zeitpunkt der Bestrahlungsdauer zu verwenden. Es verwendet Plandaten bzw. Behandlungsgrößen wie Schichtanzahl und Teilchenzahl bzw. Partikelenergie sowie Partikelbeschleunigerkenngrößen wie Beschleunigungszeit, Spilllänge und Intensitätsstufen der Teilchenabstrahlung und Regeln der Prozessdatengenerierung, um eine exakte Abschätzung der Bestrahlungsdauer mit einer Genauigkeit von 1%+/-4% zu geben. Zusätzlich lassen sich Abschätzungen für den besten Fall (best case) bzw. schlechtesten Fall (worst case) machen, um den tagesabhängigen Schwankungen in der Beschleunigereffizienz Rechnung zu tragen.To use the method according to the invention for the most accurate estimation of the emission time taking into account different accelerator efficiencies at the time of the irradiation period. It uses planning data such as number of layers and particle number or particle energy and particle accelerator characteristics such as acceleration time, spill length and intensity levels of the particle emission and rules of process data generation to give an accurate estimate of the irradiation time with an accuracy of 1% + / - 4%. In addition, best case or worst case estimates can be made to account for day-to-day variability in accelerator efficiency.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren - wie in den Figuren 3 und 4 schematisch dargestellt - kann während der Bestrahlungsplanung und nach der Planoptimierung eingesetzt werden. Es könnte als Modul der Bestrahlungsplanung oder als eigenes Programm laufen. Beispielsweise - wie nachstehend zu den Figur 3 und 4 erläutert - sind unter anderem folgende Arbeitsabläufe (Workflow-Szenarien) denkbar:

  1. 1. Bildung einer Mehrzahl von Plänen, für die die Bestrahlungszeit berechnet wird und deren Auswahl durch einen Vergleichsmodus erfolgt,
  2. 2. Bildung eines Plans und Entscheidung, ob die erwartbare Bestrahlungsdauer (Mittelwert, Worst/Best case) zufriedenstellend ist.
The inventive method - as in the Figures 3 and 4 shown schematically - can be used during the treatment planning and after the plan optimization. It could run as a module of treatment planning or as a separate program. For example - as in the following FIG. 3 and 4 explains - the following workflows (workflow scenarios) are conceivable, among others:
  1. 1. formation of a plurality of plans for which the irradiation time is calculated and whose selection is made by a comparison mode,
  2. 2. Formulate a plan and decide if the expected irradiation time (mean, worst / best case) is satisfactory.

Erfindungsgemäß wird eine gezielte Auswahl eines Plans unter Berücksichtigung der erwartbaren Bestrahlungsdauer bei der Bestrahlungsplanung zur Erhöhung des Patientenkomfort und - durchsatz erreicht. Zudem wird bei der Bestimmung der Bestrahlungsdauer die Genauigkeit der Abschätzung verbessert. Ein weiterer Aspekt der Erfindung ist eine Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der Bestrahlungsdauer bei einer Partikelbestrahlungsplanung aufweisend Mittel bzw. Module zur Durchführung des oben genannten Verfahrens, die jeweils hardwaremäßig und/oder softwaremäßig bzw. als Computerprogrammprodukt ausgeprägt sein können.In accordance with the invention, a targeted selection of a plan, taking into account the expected irradiation duration in the treatment planning, is achieved in order to increase patient comfort and throughput. In addition, the accuracy of the estimation is improved in determining the irradiation duration. A further aspect of the invention is a device for determining the irradiation duration in a particle irradiation planning comprising means or modules for carrying out the above-mentioned method, which in each case can be pronounced in terms of hardware and / or software or as a computer program product.

Die Vorrichtung kann in einer Rechnereinheit implementiert sein.The device can be implemented in a computer unit.

Die Vorrichtung und das Computerprogrammprodukt können wie das Verfahren entsprechend weitergebildet werden.The device and the computer program product can be developed according to the method.

Weitere Vorteile, Einzelheiten und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen in Verbindung mit den Zeichnungen.Further advantages, details and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 einen schematischen Aufbau einer Partikeltherapieanlage,
  • Fig. 2 eine Anordnung außerhalb bzw. innerhalb eines Bestrahlungsraums und
  • Figur 3 schematisch ein Ablaufdiagramm zum erfindungsgemäßen Vorgehen, wobei eine Mehrzahl von Bestrahlungsplanen erstellt wird und
  • Figur 4 schematisch ein Ablaufdiagramm zum erfindungsgemäßen Vorgehen, wobei ein Bestrahlungsplan erstellt wird.
Show it:
  • Fig. 1 a schematic structure of a particle therapy system,
  • Fig. 2 an arrangement outside or within an irradiation room and
  • FIG. 3 schematically a flowchart for the procedure according to the invention, wherein a plurality of irradiation plans is created and
  • FIG. 4 schematically a flow chart for the procedure according to the invention, wherein an irradiation plan is created.

Die Figuren 1 und 2 zeigen schematisch eine Partikeltherapieanlage und eine Anordnung außerhalb bzw. innerhalb eines Bestrahlungsraums, wie sie beide beispielsweise aus DE 10 2008 019 128 A1 bereits bekannt sind.The Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a particle therapy system and an arrangement outside or within an irradiation room, as both of them, for example DE 10 2008 019 128 A1 already known.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen schematischen Überblick über den Aufbau einer Partikeltherapieanlage 10. In einer Partikeltherapieanlage 10 erfolgt insbesondere eine Bestrahlung eines Körpers, insbesondere eines tumorerkrankten Gewebes, mit einem Partikelstrahl. Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of the structure of a particle therapy system 10. In a particle therapy system 10 takes place in particular irradiation of a body, in particular a tumor-affected tissue, with a particle beam.

Als Partikel werden vornehmlich Ionen wie beispielsweise Protonen, Pionen, Heliumionen, Kohlenstoffionen oder andere Ionensorten eingesetzt. Üblicherweise werden derartige Partikel in einer Partikelquelle 11 erzeugt. Wenn, wie in Figur 1 dargestellt, zwei Partikelquellen 11 vorhanden sind, die zwei verschiedene Ionensorten erzeugen, kann zwischen diesen beiden Ionensorten innerhalb eines kurzen Zeitintervalls umgeschaltet werden. Dazu wird beispielsweise ein Schaltmagnet 12 verwendet, der zwischen den Ionenquellen 11 einerseits und einem Vorbeschleuniger 13 andererseits angeordnet ist. Z.B. kann hierdurch die Partikeltherapieanlage 10 mit Protonen und mit Kohlenstoffionen gleichzeitig betrieben werden.As particles mainly ions such as protons, pions, helium ions, carbon ions or other types of ions are used. Usually, such particles are generated in a particle source 11. If, as in FIG. 1 shown, two particle sources 11 are present, which produce two different types of ions can be switched between these two ion species within a short time interval. For this purpose, for example, a solenoid 12 is used, which is arranged between the ion sources 11 on the one hand and a pre-accelerator 13 on the other. For example, this allows the particle therapy system 10 to be operated simultaneously with protons and with carbon ions.

Die von der oder einer der Ionenquellen 11 erzeugten und gegebenenfalls mit dem Schaltmagneten 12 ausgewählten Ionen werden in dem Vorbeschleuniger 13 auf ein erstes Energieniveau beschleunigt. Der Vorbeschleuniger 13 ist beispielsweise ein Linearbeschleuniger (LINAC für engl.: "LINear ACcelerator"). Anschließend werden die Partikel in einen Beschleuniger 15, beispielsweise ein Synchrotron oder Zyklotron, eingespeist. In dem Beschleuniger 15 werden sie auf hohe Energien, wie sie zur Bestrahlung nötig sind, beschleunigt. Nachdem die Partikel den (Partikel-)Beschleuniger 15 verlassen, führt ein Hochenergiestrahl-Transportsystem 17 den Partikelstrahl zu einem oder mehreren Bestrahlungsräumen 19. In einem Bestrahlungsraum 19 werden die beschleunigten Partikel auf einen zu bestrahlenden Körper gerichtet. Je nach Ausgestaltung erfolgt dies von einer festen Richtung (in so genannten "fixed beam"-Räumen) aus oder aber über eine um eine Achse 22 bewegliche rotierbare Gantry 21 von verschiedenen Richtungen aus.The ions generated by the or one of the ion sources 11 and optionally selected by the switching magnet 12 are accelerated in the pre-accelerator 13 to a first energy level. The pre-accelerator 13 is, for example, a linear accelerator (LINAC for English: "LINear ACcelerator"). Subsequently, the particles are fed into an accelerator 15, for example a synchrotron or cyclotron. In the accelerator 15, they are accelerated to high energies necessary for irradiation. After the particles leave the (particle) accelerator 15, a high-energy beam transport system 17 leads the particle beam to one or more irradiation spaces 19. In an irradiation space 19, the accelerated particles are directed onto a body to be irradiated. Depending on the configuration, this takes place from a fixed direction (in so-called "fixed beam" spaces) or else via a rotatable gantry 21 which can be moved about an axis 22 from different directions.

Der anhand der Figur 1 dargestellte Aufbau einer Partikeltherapieanlage 10 ist typisch für viele Partikeltherapieanlagen, kann aber auch hiervon abweichen. Die nachfolgend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele sind sowohl in Zusammenhang mit der anhand von Figur 1 dargestellten Partikeltherapieanlage als auch mit anderen Partikeltherapieanlagen einsetzbar.The basis of the FIG. 1 shown construction of a particle therapy system 10 is typical for many particle therapy equipment, but may also differ from this. The embodiments described below are both in connection with the basis of FIG. 1 used particle therapy system as well as with other particle therapy equipment used.

Figur 2 zeigt eine mögliche Anordnung außerhalb bzw. innerhalb eines Bestrahlungsraums. FIG. 2 shows a possible arrangement outside or within an irradiation room.

Eine in der Figur 2 nicht dargestellte Bildgebungseinheit umfasst in der Regel einen Röntgendetektor und einen Röntgenstrahler, die an einem Tragarm, z.B. einem C-Bogen, einander gegenüber liegend angeordnet sind. Der Tragarm selbst ist mithilfe eines Roboterarms, beispielsweise mithilfe eines sechsachsigen Knickarm-Roboters, im Raum flexibel positionierbar. Mithilfe des Röntgendetektors und des Röntgenstrahlers können Röntgenaufnahmen, zum Beispiel Durchleuchtungsaufnahmen, von einem Patienten 39 aufgenommen werden, der zur Bestrahlung auf einer Patientenliege 41 positioniert ist. Insbesondere den zu bestrahlenden Zielbereich bzw. das zu bestrahlende Zielvolumen 43, beispielsweise ein zu bestrahlendes, von einem Tumor befallenes Organ, kann in den Durchleuchtungsaufnahmen abgebildet sein.One in the FIG. 2 Imaging unit, not shown, usually comprises an X-ray detector and an X-ray source, which are arranged on a support arm, for example a C-arm, lying opposite each other. The support arm itself can be flexibly positioned in the room using a robotic arm, for example with the aid of a six-axis articulated-arm robot. By means of the X-ray detector and the X-ray radiograph, X-ray images, for example fluoroscopic photographs, can be taken by a patient 39 who is positioned for irradiation on a patient couch 41. In particular, the target area to be irradiated or the target volume 43 to be irradiated, for example an organ to be irradiated, which is affected by a tumor, can be imaged in the transillumination recordings.

Zur Bestrahlung tritt aus einem Strahlaustritt 45 ein Partikelstrahl 47 aus und ist auf den Patienten 39 gerichtet. Hier gezeigt ist ein im Raum räumlich fest installierter Strahlaustritt 45. Alternativ ist es auch möglich, den Strahlaustritt 45 an einer drehbaren Gantry zu befestigen, so dass der Strahlaustritt 45 um den Patienten 39 gedreht werden kann. Während der Applikation des Partikelstrahls 47 bleibt der Strahlaustritt 45 jedoch im Allgemeinen ortsfest.For irradiation, a particle jet 47 emerges from a jet outlet 45 and is directed toward the patient 39. Alternatively, it is also possible to fasten the beam exit 45 to a rotatable gantry, so that the beam exit 45 can be rotated around the patient 39. During the application of the particle beam 47, however, the beam exit 45 remains generally stationary.

Die Steuerungseinheit 51 und/oder die Rechnereinheit 49 zur Bildrekonstruktion können in einer einzigen Rechnereinheit implementiert sein oder auch auf verschiedene Untereinheiten aufgesplittet, als eigenständige Einheiten implementiert werden oder in einer Steuerungseinheit für die gesamte Partikeltherapieanlage.The control unit 51 and / or the computer unit 49 for image reconstruction can be implemented in a single computer unit or also split up into different subunits, implemented as independent units or in a control unit for the entire particle therapy system.

In der Rechnereinheit 49 implementiert bzw. an die Rechnereinheit 49 direkt bzw. abgesetzt (remote) gekoppelt kann eine weitere in der Figur 2 nicht dargestellte Behandlungsplanungseinheit zur Planung der Bestrahlungsdauer verwendet werden, die hardware- bzw. softwaremäßig ausgebildet sein kann.Implemented in the computer unit 49 or coupled to the computer unit 49 directly or remotely (remote) can another in the FIG. 2 not shown treatment planning unit for planning the irradiation time can be used, which may be hardware or software formed.

Im Folgenden werden mögliche erfindungsgemäße Arbeitsabläufe erläutert, deren Schritte in den Figuren 3 und 4 mit den Bezugszeichen 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 7a, 8 gekennzeichnet sind:

  • Gemäß Figur 3 werden folgende Schritte ausgeführt:
    1
    Lade Patientendaten
    2
    Setze die Optimierungsparameter wie Behandlungsplangrößen fest
    3
    Führe eine Optimierung der Optimierungsparameter aus
    4
    Erstelle einen Behandlungsplan
    5
    Prüfe den Behandlungsplan
    Wenn Behandlungsplan nicht akzeptabel ist, dann wiederhole Schritte 2 bis 5
    6
    Wenn Behandlungsplan akzeptabel ist, dann werte die erwartete Bestrahlungsdauer aus
    6a
    Lege den Behandlungsplan in einem Datenspeicher ab, der mehrere Behandlungspläne umfassen kann
    7
    Wenn noch weitere Behandlungspläne notwendig sind, dann wiederhole Schritt 2 bis 6a und 7
    7a
    Wenn keine weiteren Behandlungspläne notwendig sind, dann wird ein Behandlungsplan aus dem Daten-speichervorgeschlagen und/oder ausgewählt.
    8
    Beende die Behandlungsplanung und Auswertung der Bestrahlungssdauer
  • Der Ablauf in Figur 4 unterscheidet sich vom Ablauf in Figur 3 durch folgende Schritte: Schritte 6a, 7 und 7a aus Figur 3 werden ersetzt durch Schritt
    6b
    Wenn die in Schritt 6 ausgewertete Bestrahlungszeit akzeptabel ist, dann fahre mit Schritt 8 fort. Wenn die ausgewertete Bestrahlungszeit nicht akzeptabel ist, dann wiederhole Schritte 2 bis 6 und 6b.
"Tx" bedeutet in den Figuren 3 und 4 "Treatment" (Behandlung).In the following, possible workflows according to the invention will be explained, whose steps are described in the Figures 3 and 4 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 7a, 8 are characterized:
  • According to FIG. 3 the following steps are carried out:
    1
    Load patient data
    2
    Set the optimization parameters such as treatment plan sizes
    3
    Perform an optimization of the optimization parameters
    4
    Create a treatment plan
    5
    Check the treatment plan
    If treatment plan is unacceptable, then repeat steps 2 through 5
    6
    If the treatment plan is acceptable then the expected irradiation time will be used
    6a
    Place the treatment plan in a data store that can span multiple treatment plans
    7
    If more treatment plans are needed, then repeat steps 2 through 6a and 7
    7a
    If no further treatment plans are needed then a treatment plan is suggested and / or selected from the data storage.
    8th
    Finish the treatment planning and evaluation of the irradiation duration
  • The process in FIG. 4 differs from the process in FIG. 3 through the following steps: Steps 6a, 7 and 7a FIG. 3 will be replaced by step
    6b
    If the irradiation time evaluated in step 6 is acceptable, then go to step 8. If the evaluated irradiation time is not acceptable, then repeat steps 2 through 6 and 6b.
"Tx" means in the Figures 3 and 4 "Treatment".

Erfindungsgemäß kann der Wert der oben ausgewerteten, erwarteten Behandlungsdauer zur Einstellungsoptimierung eines Partikelbeschleunigers 15 verwendet werden, wie es in der Deutschen Patentanmeldung "Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Optimierung eines Partikelbeschleunigers" mit gleichem Zeitrang der vorliegenden Anmeldung vorgeschlagen worden ist.According to the invention, the value of the above-evaluated, expected treatment duration can be used for setting optimization of a particle accelerator 15, as has been proposed in the German patent application "Method and Apparatus for Optimizing a Particle Accelerator" with the same seniority of the present application.

Claims (17)

Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Bestrahlungsdauer bei einer Bestrahlungsplanung, aufweisend folgende Schritte: a) Optimierung von Behandlungsplangrößen, woraus mindestens ein Behandlungsplan erstellt wird (2, 3, 4, 5) und b) Auswertung der erwarteten Bestrahlungsdauer aus dem Behandlungsplan (6) und mit Hilfe von Partikelbeschleuniger-Kenngrößen. Method for determining the irradiation duration in an irradiation planning, comprising the following steps: a) Optimization of treatment plan sizes, from which at least one treatment plan is prepared (2, 3, 4, 5) and b) Evaluation of the expected irradiation time from the treatment plan (6) and with the help of particle accelerator characteristics. Verfahren nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schritte a) bis b) wiederholt werden, bis wenigstens ein Behandlungsplan mit einer geeigneten Bestrahlungsdauer ermittelt worden ist (6b; 7).Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the steps a) to b) are repeated until at least one treatment plan with a suitable irradiation time has been determined (6b; 7). Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Ausgabe des Wertes der erwarteten Behandlungsdauer aus einem zuvor ausgewerteten Behandlungsplan erfolgt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an output of the value of the expected treatment duration takes place from a previously evaluated treatment plan. Verfahren nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der ausgewertete Behandlungsplan vorgeschlagen und/oder ausgewählt wird (7a).Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluated treatment plan is proposed and / or selected (7a). Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Behandlungsplangrößen zumindest die Partikelzahl und Partikelenergie umfassen.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment plan sizes comprise at least the number of particles and particle energy. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Partikelbeschleunigerkenngrößen zumindest die Beschleunigungszeit, Spillänge, Intensitätsstufe umfassen.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particle accelerator characteristics include at least the acceleration time, spill length, intensity level. Vorrichtung (49) zur Bestimmung der Bestrahlungsdauer bei einer Bestrahlungsplanung, aufweisend: a) Mittel zur Optimierung von Behandlungsplangrößen, woraus mindestens ein Behandlungsplan erstellt wird, b) Mittel zur Auswertung der erwarteten Bestrahlungsdauer aus einem vorgeschlagenen und/oder ausgewählten Behandlungsplan und mit Hilfe von Partikelbeschleuniger-Kenngrößen und c) Mittel zur Ausgabe des Wertes der ausgewerteten, erwarteten Behandlungsdauer. Device (49) for determining the duration of irradiation in an irradiation planning, comprising: a) means for optimizing treatment plan sizes, from which at least one treatment plan is created, b) means for evaluating the expected irradiation time from a proposed and / or selected treatment plan and with the help of particle accelerator characteristics and c) means for outputting the value of the evaluated, expected treatment duration. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens ein Behandlungsplan mit einer geeigneten Bestrahlungsdauer ermittelbar ist.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one treatment plan with a suitable irradiation time can be determined. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Mittel zur Ausgabe des Wertes der erwarteten Behandlungsdauer aus einem zuvor ausgewerteten Behandlungsplan aufweist.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for outputting the value of the expected treatment duration from a previously evaluated treatment plan. Vorrichtung nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der ausgewertete Behandlungsplan vorgeschlagen und/oder ausgewählt ist.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluated treatment plan is proposed and / or selected. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Behandlungsplangrößen zumindest die Partikelzahl und Partikelenergie umfassen.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment plan sizes comprise at least the number of particles and particle energy. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Partikelbeschleunigerkenngrößen zumindest die Beschleunigungszeit, Spillänge, Intensitätsstufe umfassen.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particle accelerator characteristics include at least the acceleration time, spill length, intensity level. Computerprogrammprodukt geeignet für eine Vorrichtung (49) nach einem der vorhergehenden Vorrichtungsansprüche, aufweisend einen auf einem Computer ladbaren und/oder ausführbaren Programmkode, der folgende Schritte aufweist: a) Bereitstellen mindestens eines optimierten Behandlungsplanes und b) Auswertung der erwarteten Bestrahlungsdauer aus dem mindestens einen Behandlungsplan und mit Hilfe von Partikelbeschleuniger-Kenngrößen (6). Computer program product suitable for a device (49) according to one of the preceding device claims, comprising a computer-loadable and / or executable program code, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one optimized treatment plan and b) Evaluation of the expected irradiation time from the at least one treatment plan and with the aid of particle accelerator characteristics (6). Computerprogrammprodukt nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Behandlungsplangrößen, woraus mindestens ein Behandlungsplan erstellt wird (2, 3, 4, 5), vor der Auswertung der erwarteten Behandlungsdauer optimiert werden.Computer program product according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the treatment plan sizes, from which at least one treatment plan is created (2, 3, 4, 5), are optimized before the evaluation of the expected duration of treatment. Computerprogrammprodukt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schritte aus Anspruch 13 und 14 wiederholt werden, bis wenigstens ein Behandlungsplan mit einer geeigneten Bestrahlungsdauer ermittelt worden ist (6b; 7).A computer program product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steps of claims 13 and 14 are repeated until at least one treatment schedule having a suitable irradiation time has been determined (6b; 7). Computerprogrammprodukt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als weiterer Schritt eine Ausgabe des Wertes der erwarteten Behandlungsdauer aus einem zuvor ausgewerteten Behandlungsplan erfolgt.Computer program product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as a further step, the value of the expected treatment duration is output from a previously evaluated treatment plan. Computerprogrammprodukt nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der ausgewertete Behandlungsplan vorgeschlagen und/oder ausgewählt wird (7a).Computer program product according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluated treatment plan is proposed and / or selected (7a).
EP12179327.7A 2011-09-22 2012-08-06 Method and device for determining the radiation duration of a particle radiation plan Active EP2572754B8 (en)

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